How living with 21 felines over the course of five decades has enriched one animal lover's life -- This vivid memoir unites fond reminiscence with practical guidance for others who live with cats. The author shares the rewards and education -- an abundance of joys, sorrows, smiles, trials, comforts, chores and unfailing surprises -- afforded by her four generations of cats. Together, they taught intriguing lessons about the nature, needs, behavior, quirks and care of their inimitable species -- and invaluable bonds of affection and mutual dependence. Susan M. Seidman's earlier book about shelter animals, THE PET SURPLUS: What Every Dog and Cat Owner Can Do to Help Reduce It (2001), won praise from humane professionals. Now, she focuses on pets she has welcomed and cherished in her own home. Here you'll meet -- *SUPAN, who craved a full-time family life. *HARRY, the fragile loner. *FELICIA, the born-free spirit who disappeared on walkabouts. *ANGELA, who adapted to incurable allergies. *TIM, who chose another home more to his liking. *FREDDY, the captivating restaurant rescue. *CINDY, a challenge to keep and a problem to re-home. *CHICO, the shameless commuter between households. *Beautiful DAISY, the reincarnated secretary. *TOBY, the just-about-perfect pet...and others who may or may not remind you of a cat you've known. The wealth of insights and useful tips in this book, gained from the writer's years of hands-on experience, should enlighten and entertain every cat lover.
About the Author: SUSAN M. SEIDMAN has been writing professionally for five decades. Since l978 she has worked independently as a freelance journalist and advertising consultant. Earlier, she was a senior editor with the Foreign Policy Association, a copywriter with American Heritage Publishing Company, and the circulation promotion manager of Realites in America. While her published work has included gardening, travel, international affairs, vision handicaps and social commentary, her chief interest has long been companion animals. Her articles about them have appeared in CAT FANCY, MODERN MATURITY (now AARP THE MAGAZINE), CATS Magazine and elsewhere. They cover how-to topics as well as veterinary health, behavior problems and some highly controversial issues: Should we allow pet cats to circulate freely outdoors? Are "no kill" animal shelters the right or wrong approach to caring for homeless dogs and cats? Ms. Seidman's previous book about shelter animals, THE PET SURPLUS: WHAT EVERY DOG AND CAT OWNER CAN DO TO HELP REDUCE IT (Xlibris, 2001), was widely praised by professionals in the animal-protection field. Among the reviews: "If you ever wondered what you could do to help animals, this book provides a clear and concise path towards making a difference. Seidman does a remarkable job..." (American Humane Association) "As well-researched and readable a text as you could hope to find on this subject, PET SURPLUS is also full of surprises..." (ASPCA ANIMAL WATCH) "An excellent publication for members of the general public. Chock-full of details...will be an eye-opener...." (ANIMAL SHELTERING, published by The Humane Society of the United States) Ms. Seidman has done extensive volunteer work with humane societies and currently shares her Long Island home with three cats.